Randolph: "This will be Republic's greatest achievement to date.'

Republic keeper Darren Randolph says there is a remarkable determination in the camp as they bid to reach the World Cup finals for the first time in 15 years.

Michael O’Neill’s men take on Denmark on Saturday in the first of their two-legged play-off.

Randolph said: “To get to a World Cup will be up there with our greatest achievements. We don’t get there that often.”

Meanwhile, Harry Arter is optimistic that team-mates Jeff Hendrick and Stephen Ward will be fit for the game.

Question marks hang over the Burnley pair, with midfielder Hendrick battling a glute injury and defender Ward a knee concern.

Hendrick did not take part in Wednesday's training session in Dublin but was expected to undertake a fitness session later and hopes are rising that he will be able to start against the Danes.

Bournemouth midfielder Arter said: Obviously fingers crossed, they are two massive players for us, and I am sure they will be doing everything they can to be fit.''

Ward sat out Tuesday's session, with assistant manager Roy Keane saying the defender was just looking after his knee a little bit.''

Martin O'Neill's men face Denmark in Copenhagen this weekend before a return leg at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday.

Jonathan Walters and James McCarthy are among the players already ruled out through injury, and David Meyler is suspended for the first leg.

Arter added: It's disappointing that the manager can't select everyone he's got in the squad at the minute but whoever comes in and plays will be determined and they will know their role.

I'm sure they'll give their all to try and get another result - the same as in Wales.''

A total of 10 players are on yellow cards and in danger of missing the second leg, including Arter, who said it was not on his mind.

It's disappointing that you carry cards over, maybe in the future they might change that and keep it for group stages, but for me personally, and I'm sure I speak for all the lads who are on bookings, you have to just get on with it,” Arter said.

I think our team spirit is probably different to what the lads have at their clubs and slightly different to what I have at my club.''

Midfielder Callum O'Dowda, 22, was the youngest player to start a competitive game under manager Martin O'Neill when he played against Moldova during the qualifying campaign.

To go to the World Cup as well that would be the icing on the cake for me - the pinnacle,'' he said.

These two games are like two cup finals, really.'"

• Republic of Ireland